We selected for comparison, crime incidence and the manner in which crime was handled. An examination of the crime rates confirmed the impression that higher rates and higher increases of criminality occur in Western cities. The examination of specific offenses (excluding certain mass offenses) leads to different results, yet there is some correspondence in quantitative terms (sexual offenses or homicide). These findings were established with improved instruments of research. Although Budapest's detection rates are generally higher than Hamburg's, a striking correspondence among the detection rates were obtained. Thus indicating that similar policies regarding reporting and registration exist in both countries although the actual amount of offenses registered differs considerably. However, the comparison of the different processes of selection reveals another striking similarity: whilst on the level of instituted proceedings great differentials are observed, the situation changes completely at the judicial level. Almost perfect congruency can be found regarding the number of convictions so that the amount of 'net criminality' (i.e. the actual number of imposed and executed sentences), thus the forensic expenditure of work are nearly identical on both countries. Various interpretations for these findings are discussed and further reaching questions are developed. (Author abstract)